News published on Federal Newswire in January 2024

The U.S. Department of Education (EDU) has unveiled a $47 million grant aimed at bolstering infrastructure within the nation's school systems. The initiative seeks to enhance school facilities, thereby creating conducive learning environments for all students.

City of Ontario, Calif. to receive $3.5 million EPA grant to enhance recycling efforts

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a $3.5 million grant to the City of Ontario, California, aimed at enhancing recycling efforts through a new digital donation tool. The funding comes from the EPA’s Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) Grants program, supported by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Nursing home residents remain largely unvaccinated from COVID-19

The U.S. federal government has expressed concern over the low vaccination rates among nursing home residents. In response to this, Xavier Becerra, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), recently conducted an online meeting with leaders from nursing homes. He emphasized their critical role in ensuring that both staff and residents receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

Prosecutors won't pursue second trial against FTX founder

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has declared its decision to abstain from pursuing a second trial against Sam Bankman-Fried, the founder and former CEO of cryptocurrency exchange FTX. Last year, Bankman-Fried was convicted on seven criminal charges related to the collapse of FTX and its associated hedge fund, Alameda Research, in 2022.

Anders Corr: "We need to start charging China for what they do to us"

Dr. Anders Corr, Ph.D, publisher of the Journal of Political Risk, advocates for the United States to hold China accountable through tariffs due to intellectual property (IP) theft and other economic aggressions.

Rep. Steel: 'Communist China has no place in American schools and universities'

Representative Michelle Steel (R-Calif.) has expressed concern over American educational institutions hosting Chinese official Huang Ping, who is known for his affiliation and support of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). This criticism comes in the wake of reports that Huang has been visiting universities across the United States with an aim to fortify U.S.-China relations.

Chief Patrol Agent: 'Swanton Sector Border Patrol Agents have apprehended 1,850 subjects from 43 different countries'

The U.S. Border Patrol's Swanton sector in Vermont continues to maintain vigilance in its border patrolling duties. According to a recent social media post by Swanton Sector Chief Patrol Agent Robert Garcia, the months of October and November saw an increased level of activity compared to the combined total for the fiscal years 2021 and 2022.

Lummis: 'Congress must create rules of the road for the crypto asset industry'

U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) has voiced the need for comprehensive regulations in the cryptocurrency industry to provide clarity and protect consumers. In 2023, Lummis, alongside U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), introduced a bipartisan bill aiming to establish a federal regulatory framework for digital assets.

CBP flight engineer to retire after 50 years in federal service

Paul J. Waeghe, Jr., a flight engineer with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations, is set to retire after 48 years of service and over 23,000 hours as a P-3 aircraft flight engineer. Waeghe's career spans half a century in federal service, with his retirement scheduled for June.

Flight cancellation rate in 2023 lowest in 10 years

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has reported that the American airline industry saw its best year in terms of flight cancellations in 2023, marking the lowest cancellation rate in the past decade.

China's industrial growth raises concerns about WTO's role in international trade and cooperation

Chad P. Bown, a Reginald Jones Senior Fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics (PIIE), has published a research paper arguing that China's shift towards increased state intervention in its economy presents significant challenges for global trade. The paper highlights concerns over industrial policies in shipbuilding and electric vehicle batteries, questioning the effectiveness of the World Trade Organization's (WTO) dispute resolution mechanism and underscoring the need for research to guide rule adaptation and cooperation. The paper was released by PIIE...

SEC reopens comment period on Natural Asset Companies amid property rights concerns

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has issued an official announcement, indicating the reopening of comments on the proposed rule for Natural Asset Companies (NAC). The extended deadline for submitting comments is now set for January 18.

Crypto Council for Innovation survey finds voters want candidates who will advance crypto regulations

The Crypto Council for Innovation (CCI), a global organization that advocates for digital assets through research and education, recently disclosed the results of a national survey conducted among crypto voters. The survey revealed that a significant majority of respondents would favor a candidate who seeks to establish clear regulations for the digital asset industry. These findings were released on January 3.

EDU desires to provide easier pathways for students to access financial aid, confirm accreditation of school programs

The U.S. Department of Education (EDU) has disclosed a series of issue papers aimed at ensuring high-quality educational opportunities for students. The initiative involves updates to regulations for accreditation, state authorizing agencies, and other policy areas to bolster student protection.

National Association of Scholars says plagiarism in dissertations invalidates scholars' credentials

The National Association of Scholars (NAS) has expressed its condemnation of plagiarism in doctoral dissertations, describing it as one of the most egregious forms of false appropriation. This statement was released just days before Harvard President Claudine Gay tendered her resignation amidst allegations of plagiarizing scholarly work, including her own dissertation.

International visitor surcharges proposed to aid U.S. national park funding

A recent report by the Property and Environment Research Center (PERC) explores how international visitors to U.S. national parks could contribute additional revenue needed for maintenance and care of these sites. The report suggests that a modest surcharge on entry fees for international tourists could significantly boost funding.

DOE sets new efficiency standards for residential refrigerators and freezers

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently introduced a new regulation aimed at improving the energy efficiency of commercial fans and blowers, along with finalized standards for refrigerators and freezers. Collectively, these measures are expected to result in annual savings of $5 billion for American households and businesses.

Humane Society cheers for full implementation of California's Proposition 12

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) has lauded the full implementation of California’s Proposition 12. This ballot measure, approved in 2018, enforces stringent restrictions on food products derived from animals kept in cruel confinement.

DOD recognizes National Human Trafficking Prevention Month

January marks National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) is contributing to the cause by offering guidelines to raise awareness about trafficking. The global trafficking network is believed to ensnare millions of people for various reasons.

DOL says Illinois roofing contractor falled to protect workers from fall hazards